It is important to remember that good things happen in life along with bad things. It just seems like the bad things last longer- or there are more of them happening- but it is not true.

There are just as many good things happening in your life, you just have to remember them, instead of dwelling on the negative times.

I love my family, every single member, but sometimes they have difficulties that they put on me! I try to help, but I begin to internalize some of their problems, and they seem to become my problems too.

To combat this problem, I have devoted myself to learning modalities such as yoga.

Breathing awareness is also called restorative care. You can restore your natural breathing by just being more aware of it.

A natural breath is never restrictive or altererd, or forced.

To get the point: Place you hand on your abdomen while you are breathing, near your navel, and when you inhale, try to inflate your belly. When you exhale let your belly deflate.

Practice naturally, just observe your breathing, do not alter it.

Deep breathing can help for anxiety, chronic pain, and bring about emotional calm. You do not have to become a yogi in order to learn how to breathe.

Apprehension, worry and rapid heart beat are all classic signs of anxiety.

If you ponder a bit, you can find what is causing your anxiety, and then practice some breathing techniques.

When I want to relax, I use quiet music, and concentrate on my breathing. My goal? To calm myself. The added benefit? Through breathing techiques, I have learned how to slow myself down. I also sleep better after a round of breathing!

Sometimes I just close my eyes, slow down my breathing and imagine myself somewhere warm and pleasant with some soft music playing, while I am floating on a raft in my warm pool.

You can also calm yourself with self-talk. Author, Adriane Fugh-Berman in her medical advisor: Women’s Choice in Natural Healing: Drug Free Remedies from the World of Alternative Medicine believes that we all can benefit from some tender care- from ourselves!

Say to yourself: ” What does it prove to get all upset about this?” Why can’t I just stay calm for now, and take a few deep breaths?” I can get through this without getting so angry at myself!”

Spend 5 minutes a day learning to self-talk. Other self- talk methods include: Saying nice things about yourself for emotional balancing and helping with your self-esteem: “I am a good person. I can take care of myself. I love myself.”

Taken in part from: Berman, Fugh, A. Women’s Choices in Natural Healing: Drug Free Remedies from the World of Alternative Medicine.Emmaus, PA. Rodale Press.